A Minute Repeater is a sophisticated and highly prized complication in mechanical watches that audibly chimes the time on demand. This intricate mechanism allows the wearer to hear the time, typically by activating a slide or pusher on the watch case. The Minute Repeater strikes the hours, quarters, and minutes using a series of gongs and hammers, producing distinct tones for each unit of time. The complexity of this function lies in its ability to translate the visual display of time into an auditory format, requiring precise engineering and craftsmanship.

Originating in the 17th century, Minute Repeaters were initially developed to tell time in the dark before the advent of electric lighting. They are considered a pinnacle of horological achievement due to the intricate assembly and fine-tuning required to ensure accurate and harmonious sound production. The creation of a Minute Repeater involves hundreds of components, including racks, snails, and cams, all meticulously crafted and assembled by skilled watchmakers.

Today, Minute Repeaters are often found in high-end luxury watches and are celebrated for their technical complexity and the artistry involved in their creation. They remain a symbol of prestige and a testament to the watchmaker's skill and dedication to the craft.